Mexico’s Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) has commissioned MAN B&W to install a 12K80MC-S9 two-stroke low-speed diesel engine for stationary applications at a power plant in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
It is the fifth two-stroke engine that MAN B&W is to deliver to the Baja California Sur plant. The four already installed engines have a current output of 172.5MW. According to the supplier, the new engine is set to have an output of 47.88MW, 5MW higher than the 12K80MC-S predecessor, while possessing a lower rate.
The 12K80MC-S9 will run on local, cost-effective fuel with a viscosity of around 1,200cSt at 50°C and 4.3% sulphur content like the four predecessors in order to meet the local environment regulations, claimed MAN B&W.
The commission is part of a contract for the extension of CFE’s diesel power plant, that Spanish contractor Acciona is awarded for. Doosan Engine, MAN Diesel & Turbo’s Korean license holder, will construct the new engine.
An installation of a bottoming cycle steam turbine and a high-pressure selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for emission control is also planned under the contract.
Mexico’s energy reform allows private investments in power generation and commercialisation, while private investors in power transmission and distribution have to associate with state-owned CFE. The government aims to prevent monopolistic practices with this regulation and remain strategic status for transmission and distribution.